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Apple recently removed Fortnite from its App Store, causing a lot of controversy. Why did they do this, and what does it mean for the future of the game?
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Introduction
Apple has been involved in aheader high-profile feud with Fortnite’s developer,epic games which culminated in the removal of the popular game from the App Store. While the two companies battle it out in court, here’s a look at how we got to this point.
What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is a free-to-play online video game that was released in 2017. It quickly became popular, especially among young people. The game is available on various platforms, including smartphones, computers, and game consoles.
In Fortnite, players can compete against each other in solo or team matches. The objective of the game is to be the last player or team standing. To do this, players need to eliminate all of the other players in the match. Players can eliminate rivals by shooting them with firearms or using melee weapons. They can also build structures to take cover or to reach higher ground.
The game is constantly being updated with new content, such as new weapons and map changes. Fortnite is also well-known for itsSeasonal events, which introduce new challenges and rewards for players to achieve.
Fortnite’s Popularity
Fortnite’s popularity has soared over the past year, with the free-to-play battle royale game becoming a global phenomenon. The game is so popular that it has been estimated to have made $1 billion in revenue since its launch in 2017.
However, on Thursday, Apple announced that it was removing Fortnite from the App Store, citing violation of its App Store guidelines. This means that iOS users will no longer be able to download and play Fortnite on their devices.
While it is not clear exactly why Apple has decided to ban Fortnite, it is likely due to the fact that the game offers in-app purchases for cosmetic items such as character skins and victory dances. These purchases are made using a virtual currency called V-Bucks, which can be bought with real money.
By banning Fortnite, Apple is effectively preventing Epic Games from making any more money from in-app purchases on iOS devices. This could have a significant impact on Epic’s bottom line, as the company generates a large portion of its revenue from microtransactions.
It is also worth noting that Apple and Epic Games have been locked in a legal battle over Epic’s attempt to bypass Apple’s 30% cut of in-app purchases. This latest move by Apple could be seen as a way to put pressure on Epic to give up its fight against the App Store guidelines.
Apple’s App Store Policies
Apple has a strict set of App Store policies that all developers must follow in order to have their apps listed on the App Store. One of these policies is that all in-app purchases must be made through Apple’s own in-app purchase system.
Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, introduced its own in-app purchase system that bypassed Apple’s system, which resulted in Apple banning Fortnite from the App Store.
Epic Games has since filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming that the App Store policies are anticompetitive and stifle innovation.
Apple’s Reasoning for Banning Fortnite
Apple explained its reasoning for the ban in a statement to The Verge, saying that the game violates its App Store guidelines because it gives Epic Games access to in-app payment systems.
“Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that are established to protect our customers,” Apple said. “Epic has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem – including it’s tools, testing, and distribution that Apple offers to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store over the years.”
“The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users,” Apple continued. “We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.”
The Aftermath of the Ban
Apple’s decision to ban Fortnite from the App Store has resulted in a lot of backlash from the gaming community. Many people are wondering why Apple would ban such a popular game, and what this means for the future of mobile gaming.
It’s important to understand the context of the situation before passing judgement. Fortnite was not banned because it is a bad game, or because Apple doesn’t like it. In fact, Apple has said that they have nothing against the game itself.
So, then why was Fortnite banned? The answer seems to be two-fold. Firstly, Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, violated Apple’s App Store Guidelines by adding an alternative payment system to the game that bypassed Apple’s traditional 30% cut. Secondly, Fortnite is increasingly seen as a direct competitor to Apple’s own gaming platform, Arcade.
The ban has caused a lot of tension between Epic Games and Apple, with each side accusing the other of being unfair. It remains to be seen how this situation will play out, but one thing is for sure – the world of mobile gaming will never be the same.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple made the decision to ban Fortnite from the App Store because they felt that the game was in violation of their guidelines. While some people may disagree with this decision, it is ultimately up to Apple to decide what is allowed on their platform.
